While the recent rains that have broken the drought are a blessing for the people and livestock, it is not cause for celebration for the lions in the ecosystem. Cubs that were frolicking fat and happy almost six months ago are now walking skeletons – skin and bones. It is heartbreaking. Guardian Metito exclaimed upon…
Mbalueni’s legacy lives on…
The call came in late in the afternoon. Guardian Kapande reported that he was following the tracks of one male, two females and two small cubs. He was sure the large male was Meliyo. A surge of excitement crept through Lion Guardians headquarters – Meliyo had not been seen since Mbalueni was poisoned. Could those…
King of the North, no more…
It is with deep sadness that we report the spearing and death of Kasaiyo, the undisputed King of the northern region in Mbirikani Group Ranch. On Tuesday the 12th of January, Kasaiyo met his untimely death when he was killed in the heat of the moment, as herders looking for a lost cow happened upon…
Mbalueni – A Humble Soldier
She was the strong and silent type. A role-model for community lions because she understood implicitly how to live on these lands – she took care of herself and her cubs, rarely bothering humans and their livestock or bringing attention to herself or her offspring. During her secretive life on this earth, she had four litters…
Knowledge Conquers Fear: Lion Guardians takes its knowledge and practices to Akagera National Park, Rwanda
You may have heard about the reintroduction of seven lions to Rwanda after two decades, but did you also know that Lion Guardians was called in to help ensure they are well protected? We were extremely honored when Akagera National Park (ANP) manager, Jes Gruner, asked for our help. Today, we wanted to share with…
Trick or treat…
It’s the dead of the night, and all is silent. Then, suddenly, a roar breaks through the quiet. Five minutes later it sounds again. And then again. Now it sounds like someone is knocking on our door…except at the Lion Guardians Training Center there really are no doors, only canvas tents that separate us from…
Arming with Knowledge: Transforming Fear into Confidence
In today’s blog, Lion Guardians Cofounder and Director of Science, Dr. Stephanie Dolrenry shares with us the power of knowledge and her experience coaching rangers in @AkageraPark, Rwanda with community manager Eric Ole Kesoi and tenured Guardian Kisimir Olamayiani. When we first arrived in Akagera, we were excited to get going but before we started our…
World Lion Day 2015
Today is World Lion Day (August 10th), and to honor the day our Guardians are meeting with their communities to share stories about their lions, talk about what peaceful co-existence means, and explain what they do as Lion Guardians. As part of this they will also coordinate a showing of the Lion Guardians’ film. You can…
Paying it forward
Guardian Parkesian flagged us down as we rushed out of the Training Center. He had run several kilometers to meet us in a matter of minutes. He was drenched in sweat, but he didn’t care. A hunt was on and there was no time to lose! Thirty minutes before, he was on a motorbike making…
A historic moment in lion conservation – community elders’ fine young lion hunters
The tension was palpable in the air as the Ngorongoro Lion Guardians project team stepped out of their vehicle. They were there to attend a community meeting after a young lion injured in a fight with another lion had been killed by three warriors. The community was desperate to make amends but nervous that the…